March 29, 1933 – October 20, 2026

Ernestine Burch, 93, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on October 20, 2026. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, Ernestine will be remembered for her warmth, generosity of spirit, and the love she shared so freely with those around her.

Born on March 29, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ernestine was the eldest child of Lucille (Ector) and Emmett Hunt. She grew up alongside her three younger brothers, the late Carl Hunt, the late Emmett Hunt Jr., and David Hunt. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, she continued her education at Blayton Business & Accounting College. While living in Atlanta, she met and married the late Brainard Burch, who served in the United States Air Force. Together, they welcomed three daughters: Sharon, the late Karen, and Gayle.

In 1956, the family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where Ernestine built a career marked by dedication, professionalism, and a genuine gift for connecting with people. She held several positions, including serving as an executive assistant at the YMCA on Paseo Boulevard before being recruited to join a pioneering Black woman-owned public relations firm. She later joined the historic Black-owned Atlanta Life Insurance Company, where she was recognized as a High Producer in acknowledgment of her outstanding performance. Throughout her professional life, Ernestine was highly regarded for her personable nature, resourcefulness, and ability to make those around her feel valued.

Ernestine later joined Sycamore Grove Housing, where her commitment to lifelong learning and community service continued to flourish. She earned a certification in federal housing administration and took on responsibilities that extended well beyond her office role. As coordinator of the Senior Citizens Group and organizer of the summer youth program, she brought people together, creating opportunities for connection, engagement, and care across generations.

Faith was a cornerstone of Ernestine’s life. A proud member of Westminster Baptist Church, she lived her faith through everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and service. She had a gentle way of welcoming others, often with a warm smile, accepting people just as they were. Whether welcoming family, friends, or members of her community, Ernestine made those around her feel seen, valued, and loved. It was this quiet generosity of spirit that made her presence so special and her memory so enduring.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Sharon Wilson and Gayle Williams; her beloved grandchildren, Mia Banks, Keith Banks, Denise Rhone, Kali Beyah, Kiva Wilson, Joseph Wilson III, and Stephen Wilson; and her great-grandchildren, Marquan, Keia, Keith III, Cidney, Kyla, Kelsie, Gabrielle, Devin, Miles, and Marley.

Her legacy of love continues through her great-great-grandchildren, Amiyah, Karen, Xavier, Journee, Bryce, Marianna, Marquan II, Keith IV, and Azora.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Westminster Baptist Church in honor of Ernestine’s life and enduring faith.

A service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at West Minister Baptist Church, 11230 Bristol Terrace, KCMO 64134. 

A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with the service to follow promptly at 11:00 am.